How you can get paid to shop

For those who love shopping to the extent that making the activity a money-maker instead of a money-drainer is appealing, perhaps becoming a mystery shopper is a right pursuit.

Yes, there are ways to actually earn while shopping. Thanks to technology, it is easy and flexible. Various sites, including Market Force, IntelliShop and Experience Exchange — to name a few — seek mystery shoppers. After approval, mystery shoppers select jobs, follow specific instructions, pretend to be an average shopper, make the purchase, share feedback and enjoy rewards.

Last year, Kyle Taylor, founder of The Penny Hoarder, wrote about “The Best Mystery Shopping Companies to Work For” and warned to avoid firms that ask for an upfront or monthly payment to join. Legit companies pay you, not vice-versa. Also, look for ones backed by the Mystery Shopping Providers Association, an industry regulator.

Earn from $5 to around $25 per shopping experience. Tenacious secret shoppers pocket a few hundred to a few thousand dollars monthly. Each company and assignment differs. Market Force has its Eyes:On app that allows mystery shoppers to view quickly the type of shop, location, shop dates, fee and reimbursement amounts. Choose assignment and the app guides you through the process. Reports can be filled out on the app after the shopping experience.